East Seaham vs Seaham: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
East Seaham and Seaham are both Port Stephens rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 146.1 km and 141.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here — the decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
East Seaham
Seaham
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | East Seaham | Seaham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,492 | $23,492 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $8,292 | $8,292 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | East Seaham | Seaham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,148 | $2,148 | - |
| Unit | $1,716 | $1,716 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — East Seaham vs Seaham (2026-27)
What the numbers show
East Seaham and Seaham cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,292 and $8,292 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | East Seaham cumulative | Seaham cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,492 | $23,492 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $72,611 | $72,611 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $124,722 | $124,722 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $269,309 | $269,309 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is East Seaham or Seaham cheaper to live in?
East Seaham is cheaper to run by car at $23,492 per year versus $23,492 for Seaham, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in East Seaham and Seaham?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in East Seaham (Port Stephens rates (OLG) and $1,415 in Seaham (Port Stephens rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in East Seaham and $1,377 in Seaham. Both figures are the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg.
How does the commute cost compare between East Seaham and Seaham?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from East Seaham and $17,600 from Seaham to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from East Seaham and $2,400 from Seaham.
What is the 10-year cost difference between East Seaham and Seaham?
At 3% annual cost growth, East Seaham costs a cumulative $269,309 and Seaham costs $269,309 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of East Seaham. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of East Seaham and Seaham is best to actually live in?
You've got the costs. Get the free personalised report for the rest: a clear verdict on which suburb wins, the full flood, fire and crime risk profile, nearest schools, estimated electricity cost by number of occupants, and your own loan or rent stress-tested over 10 years. No spam.
Related comparisons
Sources: Port Stephens rates (OLG and Port Stephens rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.